India has made significant strides in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) for 2024, climbing 11 places to rank 49th, up from 60th in 2023. The NRI evaluates 133 economies based on four key areas: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, using 54 different indicators. This year’s improvement highlights India’s increasing digital readiness and its enhanced position in the global digital landscape.
Key Areas of Evaluation
The NRI measures a country’s digital ecosystem in four primary areas:
- Technology: Focuses on infrastructure, internet access, and digital services.
- People: Evaluates the digital skills of the population, internet usage, and accessibility.
- Governance: Assesses policies, regulations, and the legal framework supporting the digital sector.
- Impact: Looks at the broader effects of digital transformation on economic growth, innovation, and social development.
These areas combined give a comprehensive picture of a country’s progress in becoming digitally integrated and its readiness for the digital age.
India’s Score Improvement
India’s NRI score has seen an impressive rise, from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024. This upward trajectory reflects the country’s strengthened digital infrastructure, improved access to technology, and a flourishing digital ecosystem.
This boost signifies the country’s ongoing commitment to improving connectivity, enhancing digital skills, and fostering innovation, making India a more competitive and digitally connected nation globally.
Leading Indicators
India has excelled in several key indicators that highlight its digital prowess:
- 1st in AI Scientific Publications
- 1st in AI Talent Concentration
- 1st in ICT Services Exports
- 2nd in FTTH (Fiber to the Home)/Building Internet Subscriptions
- 2nd in Mobile Broadband Internet Traffic
- 2nd in International Internet Bandwidth
- 3rd in Domestic Market Scale
- 4th in Annual Investment in Telecommunication Services
These rankings place India at the forefront of global digital innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), ICT services, and mobile broadband. India’s position underscores its increasing role in the global tech industry, with significant contributions to AI research, ICT services, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Performance Among Lower-Middle-Income Countries
India has emerged as a leader among lower-middle-income countries, ranking 2nd after Vietnam. This distinction highlights India’s significant advancements in digital technology, positioning it as a key player in the global digital economy, especially in comparison to its regional peers.
India’s Digital Transformation Journey
India’s digital transformation over the past decade has been driven by robust initiatives and reforms. Under the guidance of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the country has made significant strides in expanding its telecommunication infrastructure. Notably, India’s tele density has increased from 75.2% to 84.69%, with 119 crore wireless connections in place.
The Digital India initiative, launched by the Indian government, has played a pivotal role in increasing broadband access across rural areas. This has resulted in a surge in internet subscribers, growing from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, with wireless internet usage witnessing a notable increase.
Advancements in 5G Services
The introduction of 5G services in India in 2022 has led to a dramatic improvement in the country’s global mobile broadband speed ranking, jumping from 118th to 15th. This leap underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its telecommunications capabilities, making it one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world.
India is now focused on its Bharat 6G Vision, aiming to position the country as a global leader in next-generation telecom technologies. This vision emphasizes investments in emerging technologies and data infrastructure, laying the groundwork for India to become a trailblazer in future telecommunications developments.
Important Facts for Exams
- NRI (Network Readiness Index): A comprehensive evaluation of digital readiness, assessing countries on Technology, People, Governance, and Impact. India’s rank improved from 60th to 49th in 2024.
- DoT (Department of Telecommunications): A government agency responsible for overseeing India’s telecommunication infrastructure and driving initiatives like Digital India.
- Bharat 6G Vision: India’s strategic initiative aimed at making the country a leader in future telecom technologies, focusing on emerging tech and enhanced data capabilities for superior connectivity.
India’s rise in the Network Readiness Index 2024 reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital ecosystem and its growing prominence in the global digital landscape. With continued investments in 5G, AI, and telecommunications infrastructure, India is well-positioned to remain a key player in the digital economy for years to come.